The Trump administration is considering a major expansion of the US travel ban that could affect travelers from Nigeria and 35 other countries. According to a leaked State Department memo, this move could impose new restrictions on US travel for millions of people, including citizens from 25 African nations. The proposed policy raises urgent questions for individuals planning to travel, study, or relocate to the United States.
With a 60-day deadline for affected countries to meet new US security benchmarks, the stakes are high. The concerns range from poor identity documentation systems to high visa overstay rates. For many, this could mean delayed or denied visa applications, family separation, or lost business and education opportunities.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Proposed US Travel Ban Expansion
- Countries Under Review for US Travel Limits
- US Travel Benchmarks: What Governments Must Do
- Responding to the State Department’s 60-Day Timeline
- Practical Impact on Visa Applicants and US Travel Plans
- Alternative Paths for Affected Travelers
- Implementation Timeline and Next Steps
- Expert Analysis: Immigration Implications
Overview of the Proposed US Travel Ban Expansion
On June 13, 2025, a confidential State Department memo—reported by The Washington Post—revealed plans to add 36 countries to existing US travel restrictions. The move would expand the Trump administration’s June 4 proclamation, which fully banned citizens from 11 countries and partially restricted seven more. The new list includes nations spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific. If finalized, this measure could halt or limit visa issuance and entry for millions of people. The policy aims to address security concerns: unreliable identity documents, widespread fraud, and high visa overstay rates. The memo is a preliminary step. Final restrictions will require a Presidential Proclamation published in the Federal Register and will take effect once signed by the President and Secretary of State. Affected governments now face a 60-day window to meet strict US travel benchmarks (U.S. Department of State).
Countries Under Review for US Travel Limits
The 36 nations under US travel review include:
- Africa (25): Angola; Benin; Burkina Faso; Cabo Verde; Cameroon; Democratic Republic of Congo; Djibouti; Egypt; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Ivory Coast; Liberia; Malawi; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal; South Sudan; Tanzania; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
- Caribbean (5): Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Sao Tome and Principe.
- Asia (3): Bhutan; Cambodia; Kyrgyzstan.
- Pacific (3): Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu.
These additions would follow the full US travel bans on Afghanistan, Chad, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Haiti, plus partial restrictions on Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela (Federal Register).
US Travel Benchmarks: What Governments Must Do
To avoid restrictions on US travel, each government has 60 days to satisfy State Department benchmarks:
- Secure Civil Documents: Provide tamper-proof passports and IDs with anti-fraud features.
- Reduce Identity Fraud: Implement legislative reforms and enforcement to curb counterfeit documents.
- Lower Visa Overstays: Bring overstay rates below 10% within two years through exit tracking and enforcement.
- Third-Country Agreements: Sign safe third-country or readmission pacts to accept citizens removed from the US.
- Combat Extremism: Report and prosecute anti-Semitic or anti-American crimes committed by nationals abroad.
Successful compliance requires legislative action, updated printing contracts, law-enforcement training, and interagency coordination. The State Department will verify progress through written reports and diplomatic channels.
Responding to the State Department’s 60-Day Timeline
Diplomatic missions received formal notice and must:
- Day 30 (July 13, 2025): Submit an initial action plan outlining reforms, responsible agencies, and timelines.
- Day 60 (August 12, 2025): Provide evidence of implemented measures: new passports, overstay data reports, signed agreements.
Practical Impact on Visa Applicants and US Travel Plans
If US travel restrictions finalize:
- Visa Issuance Holds: Consulates may suspend new visa appointments and renewals.
- Entry Denials: Travelers with valid visas may face additional screening or refusal at ports.
- Lengthy Wait Times: Interview backlogs could grow by 50–100% in major consulates.
Advice for Applicants:
- Apply Early: Submit visa petitions at least 90 days before planned travel.
- Strengthen Ties: Provide proof of employment, property, or family obligations.
- Legal Representation: Hire a US immigration attorney to review your case.
- Document Integrity: Ensure all ID documents meet ICAO standards (ICAO Travel Document Guide).
6. Alternative Paths for Affected Travelers
Citizens from restricted countries can consider:
- Waiver Application (INA 212(d)(3)): Seek permission to waive inadmissibility for business or humanitarian reasons (processing 3–6 months).
- Other Visa Categories: Apply for C-1/D crew visas or A-1 diplomatic visas not covered by restrictions.
- Third-Country Travel: Transit through visa-waiver or less-restricted countries like Canada, Mexico, or the UK, then apply for US visas from there.
| Option | Requirements | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| INA 212(d)(3) Waiver | Demonstrate hardship or national interest | 3–6 months |
| C-1/D Crew Visa | Employed on vessel or aircraft | 2–4 weeks |
| Third-Country Transit | Valid transit visa and onward ticket | Varies |
Implementation Timeline and Next Steps
- June 13, 2025: Memo delivered to US missions.
- By August 12, 2025: Affected governments submit compliance evidence.
- Mid-September 2025: State Department reviews reports and recommends final actions.
- Late 2025: Presidential Proclamation issued and published in the Federal Register. Restrictions take effect 30 days after publication.
Applicants should monitor updates via the Federal Register and Department of Homeland Security websites.
Expert Analysis: Immigration Implications
As an immigration expert, key impacts include:
- Reduced Legal Migration: Lower visa approval rates for work, study, and family reunification from these countries.
- Increased Irregular Migration: Travelers may seek unauthorized routes, raising border enforcement challenges.
- Economic Consequences: Businesses relying on foreign talent face hiring delays; tourism and academic exchanges may drop.
Key Actions: Consult an experienced immigration attorney to assess your eligibility, strengthen applications, and explore alternatives before restrictions apply.
Relevant Resources:
Maple Crest Immigration Law
Are you concerned about how the proposed US travel restrictions might affect you or your loved ones? Don’t navigate immigration challenges alone. At Maple Crest Immigration Law, our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through visa issues, waiver applications, and compliance with US travel policies.
